Chapter 10

As the disciples vanished into the portal's swirling depths, the peak masters and higher-ups settled into their seats with the air of royalty at a grand theatre. Their seats, arranged in precise rows, each occupied by a figure of authority, radiated an aura of superiority and anticipation. 

They perched on plush cushions, their backs straight, shoulders relaxed, as if attending the opening night of an exclusive opera. Wine glasses glittered in the ambient light, catching the glint of the sun like facets of a thousand tiny jewels. Delicate snacks adorned silver trays, intricately crafted hors d'oeuvres that seemed almost too exquisite to eat. 

Eyes, sharp and discerning, scanned the scene below, eager for any hint of drama, amusement, or—dare they hope—a bit of scandalous ineptitude.

The illusionary 'PowerPoint presentation' that had just dissolved into thin air was replaced by a screen bursting into vivid, animated imagery. Xue Xinyu, comfortably reclining in his seat, swirled his wine glass with an air of unexisting nonchalance, ready to enjoy what promised to be a grand spectacle of martial prowess. 

He envisioned epic battles, dazzling displays of skill, and perhaps even a few moments of sheer brilliance from his disciple. However, what unfolded before him was a comedy of errors that would have made the gods of humour weep with laughter.

His own disciple, Liang Zhiguan, appeared on the screen, not as the fierce warrior Xue Xinyu had hoped to showcase but as a hapless figure caught in a slapstick comedy routine. It was as if the Flying Circus had made a cameo appearance in the martial arts trial.

"Xue-shidi, is that the paragon of strength you've been extolling?" Huo Zhiwei's voice, dripping with sarcasm, cut through the ambient chatter like a sharpened blade. His tone was as tart as a freshly picked lemon, and his smirk could have soured milk.

Caught off guard, Xue Xinyu nearly choked on his wine, coughing slightly as he struggled to maintain his composure. The scene unfolding on the screen showed Liang Zhiguan flailing wildly in mid-air, attempting to mount his sword in a manner that suggested he was auditioning for a comedy troupe rather than participating in a serious trial.

"Every disciple has their own unique journey, Huo-shixiong," Xue Xinyu retorted, his voice remarkably calm despite the turmoil churning within him. He shot Huo Zhiwei, a look that suggested that if he had the power, he would happily strangle him.

Liang Zhiguan, bless his heart, seemed more like a bumbling novice than a formidable warrior. His attempts to balance on his sword were reminiscent of a child trying to ride a bicycle for the first time, complete with wobbles and near crashes that kept the audience on the edge of their seats—not in anticipation of greatness, but in morbid fascination of the impending disaster.

Just when it seemed that Liang Zhiguan was destined for a crash landing that would make even the bravest onlookers wince, he executed a miraculous last-minute manoeuvre. With a twist that defied both gravity and common sense, he spun gracefully in mid-air, correcting his trajectory to land smoothly upon his sword. 

It was a move so elegant and unexpected that Xue Xinyu, who had resigned himself to embarrassment, found himself silently applauding. Perhaps Liang Zhiguan had turned his stumble into a stroke of genius, transforming a near-catastrophe into a moment of unexpected brilliance.

With an air of improvisational mastery, Liang Zhiguan soared just above the ground, his sword slicing through the air with a subtle, satisfying swish. Each movement was calculated, every manoeuvre executed with the finesse of a seasoned performer at the peak of their craft. He navigated effortlessly around the looming trees, their branches stretching out like skeletal fingers, reaching for him in a vain attempt to ensnare his path.

While Liang Zhiguan's initial technique for mounting his sword left much to be desired, his balance and aerial acrobatics were undeniably impressive. With each twist and turn, he seemed to defy the very laws of physics, dancing through the air with the grace of a trained acrobat. He moved with a fluidity that suggested he was more at home in the sky than on solid ground, a sentiment that Xue Xinyu found both puzzling and somewhat admirable.

As Liang Zhiguan scoured the area for undead creatures, his keen eyes darted across the landscape below, searching for any sign of movement. However, to Xue Xinyu's growing dismay, Liang Zhiguan seemed to bypass the creatures entirely without so much as a second glance. He floated serenely above them, his focus fixed on some distant point, as if contemplating the mysteries of the universe rather than engaging in combat.

It became painfully clear that Liang Zhiguan had taken Xue Xinyu's teachings a bit too literally. His interpretation of avoiding unnecessary confrontation had morphed into a strategy of avoiding any confrontation at all. Instead of seeking out challenges, he appeared to be practising the fine art of peaceful navigation, drifting past the undead with the serene detachment of a cloud floating lazily across the sky.

Xue Xinyu's internal struggle was evident as he watched his disciple's antics unfold. He couldn't decide whether to burst into laughter or to bury his face in his hands. The audience, meanwhile, was thoroughly entertained. The higher-ups exchanged amused glances, their whispers and chuckles adding to the general mirth. Even Zhuang Tianming, who had been observing with a stern expression, seemed to fight back a smile.

"Perhaps your disciple is practising a more philosophical approach to the trial," Huo Zhiwei remarked, his voice laced with mocking. "One that involves a deep understanding of the art of non-engagement."

Xue Xinyu shot him a sidelong glance, a wry smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Or perhaps he's simply trying to show that sometimes the best way to defeat your enemies is to make them doubt their own existence," he quipped, in annoyance.

As the trial continued, it became clear that while Liang Zhiguan's approach was unorthodox, it was undeniably effective in its own peculiar way. He may not have been vanquishing foes left and right, but he was certainly providing a spectacle that no one would soon forget. And in the end, wasn't that a victory of its own kind?

The disciples, meanwhile, had fully immersed themselves in the trial, their initial trepidation giving way to a fierce determination. They navigated the challenges before them with varying degrees of success, each one striving to prove their worth. And as they faced their trials, Xue Xinyu couldn't help but feel a swell of pride. Despite the humorous twists and turns, his disciple and the others were showing the world what it meant to be a part of their sect.

Huai Xiaozhun had always sought out larger crowds of undead creatures or stronger opponents during trials, knowing that the true satisfaction and sense of accomplishment lay in defeating formidable foes rather than mere lowly undead monsters. Despite Huai Xiaozhun's persistent warnings about the risks involved, Liang Zhiguan, much to Huai Xiaozhun's chagrin, willingly followed in his footsteps.

Speechless at Liang Zhiguan's audacity, Huo Zhiwei turned his attention to his meal, attempting to conceal his annoyance behind a facade of indifference. Meanwhile, Xue Xinyu struggled to maintain his composure as he observed Liang Zhiguan veer away from his carefully articulated instructions.

Even if he's got the protagonist's cheat code, diving into battles with high-level undead creatures or massive herds of them is like playing with fire! It's akin to inviting a pack of hungry wolves to a sheep's pyjama party—sure, it might be thrilling for a moment, but you'll probably end up with more holes in your favourite pyjamas than you bargained for! Xue Xinyu muttered under his breath, his concern evident despite his attempt at humour. Or maybe, he mused inwardly, I've got an overprotective streak longer than a dragon's tail. But hey, who needed epic battles when you could have a front-row seat to Liang Zhiguan's unintentional aerial acrobatics?

Walking up the platform with a self-assured stride, Li Tao finally appeared. "My apologies, everyone. We had some trouble with the carriage, so I sent the disciples ahead and took care of it myself," he explained as he settled down next to Xue Xinyu.

"You're finally here," Xue Xinyu greeted Li Tao warmly.

Li Tao's gaze shifted towards the ever-changing screens, each displaying the antics and trials of their respective disciples. "How's Liang Zhiguan doing?" he inquired, his curiosity piqued.

"Quite well, although he's not exactly following my instructions," Xue Xinyu responded with a wry smile.

"As expected," Li Tao remarked knowingly, taking a sip of wine and watching the screens with a mix of amusement and anticipation. The images on the screens shifted frequently, each vignette revealing a different disciple immersed in their unique challenges.

Their attention returned to the screens, where Li Jie, Li Tao's nephew, was navigating the trials of Lingyun Peak with focused determination. Amidst the familiar faces and unfamiliar trials, Xue Xinyu couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia for the characters he had grown to know so well in the novel. However, amidst the familiar faces and unfamiliar trials, there was a distinct lack of excitement brewing.

With a resigned sigh, Xue Xinyu leaned back in his seat, acknowledging that sometimes reality simply didn't measure up to the drama of fiction.

Meanwhile, high above the dense canopy of the forest, Liang Zhiguan's sharp eyes scanned left and right, eagerly seeking out a worthy challenge. He knew from his mentor's teachings that taking down a robust creature or confronting a large herd of monsters promised more points and prestige than battling scattered undead creatures in the woods.

Then, like a beacon in the darkness, he spotted them—a group of beleaguered individuals surrounded by a formidable herd of monsters. With a grin of determination, Liang Zhiguan swooped down towards the chaos, his heart racing with the thrill of imminent battle.

With a daring leap, Liang Zhiguan dismounted his sword mid-air, his lithe body twisting gracefully as he directed it towards the herd below. As he descended, he manipulated the sword's movements with precise control, each strike calculated to maximise efficiency and minimise risk.

On the forest floor, the group of people initially overwhelmed by the onslaught of undead creatures looked on in astonishment as the monsters fell one by one under the skillful assault. Their gazes soon fixed upon Liang Zhiguan, his figure silhouetted against the sky as he descended, his focus entirely on his sword and the creatures it sought to vanquish.

Just as he neared the ground, Liang Zhiguan's keen reflexes kicked in. With a deft manoeuvre, he used his sword to break his fall, the blade slicing through the air with a sharp whizzing sound. As his feet touched the ground, he sprung off the sword's edge with practised ease, his momentum propelling him forward into the fray once more.

Unheeding of the exclamations and gasps of the onlookers behind him, Liang Zhiguan pressed on with unwavering determination, his singular focus on neutralising the threat before him. With each swing of his sword, he pushed himself to the limit, driven by a deep-seated desire to prove his mettle and demonstrate his worthiness in the eyes of his mentor and peers alike.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity battling amidst the chaotic fray, the last of the monsters fell beneath Liang Zhiguan's determined onslaught. Breathing heavily, he turned to face the group of grateful disciples who had been cowering just moments ago, their relief palpable in the forest's stillness.

"Thank you for saving us, young hero," one of the disciples exclaimed, their words echoing the sentiments of the others in the group. Liang Zhiguan offered them a modest smile, brushing off their gratitude with characteristic humility. "It's no big deal," he replied, his voice tinged with genuine sincerity.

Watching the scene unfold on the screen, Xue Xinyu enjoyed the simple rice and pork dish set out before them. Liang Zhiguan's recent manoeuvre was impressive indeed; even Xue Xinyu had been practising it, ever since he first witnessed Huai Xiaozhun's flawless execution.

Back in his first life, he decided to give it a shot while surfing, thinking it would be a breeze. Little did he know, it turned out to be more of a tumble than a ride.

Of course, Liang Zhiguan had learned it simply by observing Huai Xiaozhun's technique. It was undeniably impressive, and Xue Xinyu couldn't help but wonder if there was a bit of natural talent mixed in with Liang Zhiguan's audacious spirit.

"My name is Li Ming, courtesy name Junjie," the disciple introduced himself with a respectful bow before turning his attention back to Liang Zhiguan. "What's your name, young hero?"

"My name is Liang Zhiguan, courtesy name Liang Zhiwei, disciple of Peak Master Xue Xinyu," Liang Zhiguan responded politely, meeting their curious gazes with steady composure.

The group took a collective step back, their expressions shifting from gratitude to wariness as they regarded Liang Zhiguan with newfound apprehension.

As the words left his lips, a ripple of tension swept through the group. Whispers arose among them, a mixture of curiosity and concern. "Isn't he the demonic disciple?" murmured one, while another cautiously voiced their apprehension.

Attempting to defuse the palpable unease, Junjie stepped forward once more, offering a polite smile despite the underlying tension. "Ah, so you're Peak Master Xue's infamous disciple," he acknowledged, his tone carefully neutral.

Liang Zhiguan felt a flush of embarrassment at the label, but before he could respond, Junjie continued, his voice carrying a note of reassurance. "He's been acknowledged by Master Xue, so it should be fine," Junjie assured the others, his words carrying weight amidst the uncertainty.

With Junjie's endorsement, the atmosphere relaxed slightly, the other disciples nodding in reluctant agreement. After all, Xue Xinyu's reputation was beyond reproach, his word considered law within the sect.

Grateful for Junjie's intervention, Liang Zhiguan offered a genuine expression of thanks. "Thank you," he murmured, his embarrassment visible but his determination to prove himself unwavering.

The encounter left Liang Zhiguan reflecting on the complexities of perception within the sect. Being labelled as the "demonic disciple" was a weighty burden, yet it also presented an opportunity to challenge stereotypes and exceed expectations.

As the day wore on and the trials continued, Liang Zhiguan found himself drawn into more battles, each one a test of skill and resilience. He navigated the challenges with a mix of daring and caution, mindful of both the points at stake and the impression he was leaving on his fellow disciples.

From time to time, Xue Xinyu would glance over at Liang Zhiguan's exploits on the screen, a mixture of pride and amusement playing across his features. Despite the unconventional approach, there was no denying Liang Zhiguan's determination to carve out his own path amidst the trials and tribulations of the Wayfarer Trial.

And so, amidst the lush greenery of the forest and the echoing sounds of battle, Liang Zhiguan continued to defy expectations and chase after his own definition of heroism—one sword swing at a time.